Fan type chemical diffusing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A fan type chemical diffusing apparatus includes an apparatus main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan type blower disposed in the apparatus main body, and an active ingredient impregnated body or mass for containing an active ingredient. The fan type blower includes a fan casing, a motor, and a fan including a rotary disk and a plurality of blades fastened to a peripheral portion of the rotary disk and provided with a hollow space that is on an interior of the fan with respect to the blades. The fan type blower is operable to send air from the air inlet through the hollow space and out through the air outlet.

This application is a Divisional Application of Ser. No. 10/181,573filed Jul. 18, 2002, which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35USC 371 of International Application PCT/JP01/00610 filed Jan. 30, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fan type chemical diffusing apparatusof volatilizing a chemical, a technique for diffusing an activeingredient of a volatile chemical such as an insecticide, insectrepellent or moth-proofing agent, aromatic chemical and deodorant byventilating a carrier body impregnated with the active ingredient whileutilizing a fan type blower powered by a motor.

More specifically, the invention relates to a fan type debuggingapparatus for repelling and exterminating or excluding noxious orharmful insects including bugs such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches,mites, ants and centipedes and clothing bags such as skin beetles andclothes moths by ventilating a carrier body impregnated with an activeingredient while using a fan type blower powered by a motor energized bya battery or cells.

BACKGROUND ART

A fan type chemical volatilizing and diffusing apparatus has been knownwhich is designed to diffuse into the atmosphere, e.g., in a room anactive ingredient of a volatile chemical such as an insecticide, insectrepellent or moth-proofing agent, aromatic chemical and deodorant by theforce of a wind.

This typical fan type chemical volatilizing and diffusing apparatus isprovided with an air inlet for admitting air from the outside into theapparatus body and an air outlet for sending out air admitted. In theair flow passage between the air inlet and the air outlet there aremounted a fan type blower driven by a motor and an active ingredientcarrier body impregnated with an active ingredient. Provided also in theapparatus body is a room for accommodating a battery for powering themotor and hence the fan blower.

The active ingredient impregnated body is disposed either in the airflow passage between the air inlet and the fan or in the air flowpassage between the fan and the air outlet. Thus, the apparatus is ofthe type in which rotating the fan to send air causes the activeingredient in the impregnated body to diffuse through the air outletinto the atmosphere.

As shown in JP U H06-4393A, another fan type chemical diffusingapparatus has been known in which the fan in a fan type blower itselfcontains a volatile chemical.

The typical fan type chemical diffusing apparatus mentioned above isprovided with the fan type blower and the active ingredient impregnatedbody separately in the apparatus body and formed with an air flowpassage in the apparatus body. As a result, it is forced to be complexin structure and makes the apparatus large in size.

The requirement that the active ingredient impregnated body and the fanbe arranged to efficiently send air into, through and out of the activeingredient impregnated body tends to make the apparatus structurecomplex and large in size.

If the apparatus is to be powered by a battery, providing a space foraccommodating the battery in the apparatus makes the apparatus even morecomplex and larger in size.

It should be noted in particular that the site in which the activeingredient impregnated body is placed determines the size of theapparatus and a degree of its complexity.

The fan type chemical diffusing apparatus disclosed in JP U H06-4393A byhaving the fan effectively functioning as the active ingredientimpregnated body seeks to resolve the problem of how it can efficientlybe arranged and to simplify the apparatus structure. However, manyproblems still remain unresolved, for example, as regards anunsatisfactory durability (e.g., brittleness) of the fan which must bemade by forming, a limited impregnable amount (small amount) of anactive ingredient and, if the fan is of replacement type, the time,labor and cost entailed for replacement, which may make the apparatuspoor in utility and serviceability.

As an example of the fan type chemical diffusing apparatus using a fantype blower, a debugging apparatus of first type for repelling andexterminating or excluding a noxious or harmful insect has also beendisclosed which is designed to volatilize a chemical by providing an airflow through the chemical by means of a fan blower driven by a motor.See, for example, JP P S53-14329A, JP U S61-182273A, JP U H06-75179A,WO96/04786, JP P H08-154554A, JP P H11-504627A and JP P H11-28040A.

As another example as disclosed in JP P H05-68459A, a debuggingapparatus of second type has also been disclosed in which a volatilechemical is retained within the chemical diffusing fan which may berotated to volatilize the chemical.

Further, as another example, a third type of debugging apparatus hasbeen known as disclosed in JP P H07-111850A, a third type of debuggingapparatus has been disclosed in which a carrier impregnated with achemical and also functioning to rectify a gas flow is disposed in theair intake side of a fan which may be rotated to cause an air flowcreated to volatilize the chemical.

The first type debugging apparatus seems to lack concreteness and seemsto have many problems to be resolved for practical use.

The second type debugging apparatus is technologically concrete andpractical but if ever practiced seems to lack flexibility. A need tomake the retainer larger in size in order to volatilize a larger amountof a chemical proportionally increases energy needed to drive the fan.

The third type debugging apparatus is technologically concrete andpractical but is noted to require the carrier not only to be larger inarea but to have a shape suitable to reduce air resistance as much aspossible. As the present inventors' scrutiny indicates, the idea ofrequiring the active ingredient impregnated body to be larger in area inorder to volatilize a larger amount of the active ingredient must bejustified. But, the idea of requiring it to be shaped so as to reducewind resistance as much as possible was found much questionable.

For to remove wind resistance means reducing wind pressure per unit areaand this would reduce a force to detach the chemical from the carrier.Then, the phenomenon would take place that the wind passes away from thecarrier without enough carrying the chemical, or a reduction in chemicalconcentration per unit air flow. This is a loss in wind force and inother words a loss in driving energy.

In contrast, excessively increasing air resistance would reduce the windspeed of a wind coming out of the air outlet and lose the capacity tocarry the chemical far.

As an example of the debugging apparatus using a fan type blower, afourth type of such apparatus has also been proposed which is designedto volatilize a chemical by providing an air flow through the chemicalby means of a fan blower driven by a motor. See, for example, JP PS53-14329A, JP U S61-182273A, JP U H06-75179A, WO96/04786, JP PH08-154564 and JP P H11-504627A.

Further, as another example, a fifth type of debugging apparatus hasalso been proposed as disclosed in JP P H11-28040A which comprises a DCmotor powered by a battery and a fan to be driven by the DC motor toprovide an air flow through a chemical for its volatilization.

The fourth type debugging apparatus seems to lack concreteness for usinga battery as power supply and seems to have many problems to be resolvedfor practical use.

The fifth type debugging apparatus is an apparatus with a battery aspower supply and is shown in its second apparatus to have a currentconsumption of not greater than 100 milliamperes when the DC motor isunloaded. However, no consideration appears to be taken, e.g., inefficiently using the battery to allow the chemical to be volatilizedfor a prolonged time period.

Thus, a fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and excluding harmfulor noxious insects as previously described is used as placed on astorage space in a house in order to run over a long period of time oras carried by a worker for use to run outdoors. It is thereforedesirable that the apparatus have the ability to volatilize a chemicalfor a long time without the need to change the battery.

Another example of the fan type debugging apparatus has also been knownas disclosed, for example, in JP P H11-308955A.

This fan type debugging apparatus has an apparatus body provided with amotor, a fan, a battery and a chemical retainer and is operable toprovide an air flow through the chemical retainer from the fun bydriving the motor with the battery power to volatilize the chemical. Itis shown that the motor is intermittently operated to iteratively have atime period of air flow and a time period of halt alternately with thetime period of halt being ten times or more as long as the time periodof air flow.

The fan type debugging apparatus referred to above is designed for useas placed in a storage space such as a wardrobe or closet and is therefound to extend the debugging component enough inside the closed spaceand capable of maintaining its efficacy enough for a long time.

However, using this type of apparatus as placed in a living space in adwelling proves it insufficiently efficacious.

There have also bee known chemical volatilizing and diffusing methodsusing the wind force of a fan to volatilize and diffuse a volatilechemical into the atmosphere. For example, JP U S61-182273A disclosesapplying a wind from the fan to a chemical impregnated retainer bodyhaving a moderate air permeability, and JP P H07-11850A disclosesdefining a relationship between a fan's wind force and a permeability.

To the present inventors' knowledge, all the chemical impregnated orretainer bodies (active ingredient impregnated bodies) so far proposedin the prior art are bodies which are solidified and monolithic. Forthis reason, they provide an effective means if chemicals to be carriedthereby are high in vapor pressure and thus highly volatile. If a needarises to volatilize a chemical which is less volatile or hard tovolatilize or to volatilize a plenty of a chemical at a time, it hasbecome necessary to take a measure such as: (1) to make larger the areaof volatilization of a chemical impregnated body; (2) to make largervoids in a chemical impregnated body to facilitate wind passage; and tointensify the fan's output.

It has been found, however, that any of these measure cannot be takenwithout making larger the entire volume of the chemical impregnatedbody, or without making the fan larger in size or deteriorating energyefficiency. Especially, an increase of the chemical impregnated body insize brings about the problems as follows:

-   -   (1) Local changes in air flow within the chemical impregnated        body. Thus, as it becomes distant especially from the wind blow        outlet, the air flow per unit time tends to be reduced by an air        resistance that develops in the chemical impregnated body. If        the chemical impregnated body is larger in the direction of the        wind, the wind force which the chemical impregnated body        instantaneously receives varies from one site to another. This        leads to an unbalance of volatilization over the entire        impregnated body and prevents the chemical from volatilizing        stably.    -   (2) Even if the situation (1) develops, stable volatilization        will be possible even for the solidified, monolithic chemical        impregnated body if the chemical impregnated is quickly made        even in the body. However, increase in the size of the chemical        impregnated body makes longer the distance for the chemical to        move and requires longer time for the chemical to be made even        in the body.    -   (3) An increase in size of the chemical impregnated body for the        reason of the problem mentioned at (1) above also brings about a        drop in the air flow per unit time from the air outlets        (volatilization outlets) of the chemical impregnated body        receptacle, which leads to a drop in the ability of the chemical        to volatilize into a room and in turn to a drop in the efficacy        of the chemical. Made to resolve these problems, an attempt to        intensify the fan's wind force is an attempt to waste energy and        proves inefficient and uneconomical.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fantype chemical diffusing apparatus that can resolve one or more of theproblems mentioned earlier.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fan typedebugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating or expelling anoxious or harmful insect that permits an active ingredient to bevolatilized in a maximum amount with a minimum input driving energy.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fan typedebugging apparatus operated with a battery which permit a chemical tobe volatilized over a prolonged time period without the need to exchangethe battery.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fan typedebugging apparatus usable in a living space, proving a sufficientefficacy and capable of maintaining the sufficient efficacy for aprolonged time period.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a chemicalvolatilizing method that permits a volatile chemical having insecticide,insect repellent or growth control function to be diffused and dipersedstably by a wind force over a prolonged time period for a variety ofnoxious or harmful insects, regardless of the vapor pressure thechemical possesses and the amount of volatilization the chemical isaimed for.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

There is provided in accordance with the present invention in a firstform of implementation thereof a fan type chemical diffusing apparatus,characterized in that it comprises: an apparatus main body having an airinlet and an air outlet; a fan type blower disposed in the apparatusmain body and having a fan casing, a fan provided with a hollow space,and a motor; and an active ingredient impregnated body or mass disposedin the hollow space for containing an active ingredient, wherein the fantype blower is adapted and operative to send air from the air inletthrough the hollow space into and out of the air outlet.

This first form of implementation of the present invention that requiresthat a fan be uniquely provided with a hollow space adapted toaccommodate therein an active ingredient impregnated body or mass onlyrequires the apparatus body portion to have a space therein just enoughto accommodate the fan blower, and eliminates the conventional need toprovide an extra space for separately accommodating an active ingredientimpregnated body.

This simplifies the apparatus body interior structurally and makes theapparatus compact and small sized.

Also, eliminating the requirement to dispose the active ingredientimpregnated body beside the fan blower in the body portion of theapparatus, it enhances its design flexibility.

Also, the fan is found not to reduce its durability and capable ofretaining a sufficient amount of an active ingredient.

In the construction stated above, the active ingredient impregnated bodyor mass is preferably fixed to one of the said fan casing and theapparatus main body.

This specific construction permits the active ingredient impregnatedbody or mass to be placed as non-rotatable with the fan and to be keptnot to increase the rotational resistance of the fan, and thus not tocreate a waste in its driving force.

In the construction stated above, the active ingredient impregnated bodyor mass is preferably mounted removably in the hollow space.

This construction makes the apparatus economical because it thenrequires only the active ingredient impregnated body or mass to beexchanged while leaving the fan intact.

Extensive and zealous investigations and experiments conducted by thepresent inventors with what have been stated hereinbefore taken intoconsideration have revealed that there is a delicate balancingrelationship between wind resistance and amounts of volatilization of anactive ingredient and has led them to the form of implementation of theinvention mentioned below.

Thus, in accordance with a second form of implementation of the presentinvention there is provided a fan type debugging apparatus for repellingand excluding or expelling a noxious or harmful insect with an activeingredient containing as its principal component at least one chemicalhaving a vapor pressure of not less than 1.0×10⁻⁴ mmHg at a temperatureof 30° C. and effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide or tocontrol growth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, ofthe insect, or to repel the insect, or effective to prevent any otherdamage by the insect, the apparatus having an active ingredientimpregnated body or mass adapted to retain and release by volatilizationthe active ingredient, and including a fan type blower powered to bedriven by a motor, characterized in that: the said active ingredientimpregnated body or mass is disposed in a wind inlet side of the saidfan type blower and is designed to provide a wind force resistance Rwhich in terms of the proportion of current consumption E2 by the saidmotor in the presence of the said active ingredient impregnated body ormass to current consumption E1 by the said motor in the absence of thesaid active ingredient impregnated body or mass, ranges from 5 to 25%where R is expressed by the equation: R=100−E2/E1×100.

This second form of implementation of the present invention enables amotor driving energy to be efficiently utilized to volatilize a plentyof active ingredients, and provides volatilization of a maximum amountof the active ingredient and thus a maximum extent of vermin or insectdamage prevention at a minimum amount of input energy.

In order to achieve the object or objects mentioned before, extensiveinvestigations and experiments conducted by the present inventors invariously changing fan's air resistance index, fan size and weight andmotor parameters have led them to the following form of implementationof the invention.

Thus, in accordance with a third form of implementation of the presentinvention there is provided a fan type debugging apparatus for repellingand excluding a noxious or harmful insect with an active ingredientcontaining as its principal component at least one chemical having avapor pressure of not less than 1.0×10⁻⁴ mmHg at a temperature of 30° C.and effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide or to controlgrowth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, of theinsect, or to repel the insect, or effective to prevent any other damageby the insect, the apparatus having an active ingredient impregnatedbody or mass adapted to retain and release by volatilization the saidactive ingredient, and including a fan type blower powered to be drivenby a motor which is in turned by a battery, characterized in that thesaid fan type blower comprises a fan having: an air resistance f whichwhen expressed by current consumption I₁ by the said motor loaded withthe said fan divided by current consumption I₀ by the said motor whenunloaded with the said fan, ranges not less than 1 but not greater than17; a size in a range between 20 mm and 100 mm in diameter; and a weightin a range between 1.5 gram and 8 grams, wherein values of the said fanair resistance, size and weight are selected as aforesaid and further sothat the current consumption by the said motor loaded with the said fanhas a current value such that the ratio of a time period in which thesaid fan can be driven by the said battery to the capacity of the saidbattery is not less than 5%.

This third form of implementation of the present invention permits amotor to be driven effectively to ventilate an active ingredientimpregnated body or mass for a prolonged gross time period without theneed to exchange a battery and thus the active ingredient to bevolatilized for such a long gross period without the need to replace thebattery for.

The failure of the conventional fan type debugging apparatus if used asplaced in a living space to yield enough efficacy as mentioned hereinearlier was reasoned by the present inventors as follows:

-   -   In contrast to a wardrobe or closet in which the conventional        fan type debugging is usable as placed and which is opened or        closed usually only twice or so a day in the morning and        evening, a living space has a number of visitors and is opened        and closed frequently a day, and hence has air entry and exit        much more than the storage space.    -   For this reason, making the time period in which the air flow is        halted so long as ten times longer than the time period in which        air is driven to flow prevents the debugging agent (active        ingredient) from spreading and diffusing enough to an extent        that a satisfactory efficacy is obtained.

Extensive and zealous investigations and experiments conducted by thepresent inventors with these reasons taken into consideration have ledthem to the following form of implementation of the invention:

Thus, in accordance with a fourth form of implementation of the presentinvention there is provided a fan type debugging apparatus for repellingand excluding a noxious or harmful insect with an active ingredientcontaining as its principal component at least one chemical having avapor pressure of not less than 1.0×10⁻⁴ mmHg at a temperature of 30° C.and effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide or to controlgrowth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, of theinsect, or to repel the insect, or effective to prevent any other damageby the insect, the apparatus having an active ingredient impregnatedbody or mass adapted to retain and release by volatilization the saidactive ingredient, and including a fan type blower powered to be drivenby a motor, characterized in that: the said fan type blower is operableto iteratively run and halt alternately with a time period of halt notmore than 9 (nine) times as long as a running time period, the said timeperiod of halt being also a time period in which a current or quantityof electricity not lost therein is more than a current or a quantity ofelectricity consumed in excess by the said motor in the said runningtime period.

This fourth form of implementation of the present invention permits anapparatus if used as placed in a living space to provide a sufficientefficacy and to retain this efficacy for a prolonged period of time.

In a construction as stated above, desirably:

The said active ingredient impregnated body or mass comprises a mass ofdiscrete particles impregnable with the said active ingredient and thesaid particles each have a shape such that a maximum area of contactwith one particle with another is not larger than one half of a totalsurface area thereof;

The said active ingredient impregnated body or mass comprises a mass ofdiscrete particles impregnable with the said active ingredient and thesaid particles have a real volume which as expressed by [apparentvolume×(1−percentage of void or voids/100)] ranges from 5×10⁻⁵ to 5×10⁵mm³ per particle.

The said fan type blower is adapted to send air into, through and out ofthe said active ingredient impregnated body or mass receptacle whichcomprises an active ingredient impregnated mass of discrete particleswith an air flow therethrough ranging between 0.01 and 1.0 m³/min., andthe said particles then have a specific gravity ranging between 0.005and 0.5; and/or

At least one of the said active ingredient impregnated body or mass anda receptacle therefor is pre-treated for an antistatic.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art from the following detailed description of the preferredforms of embodiment thereof as illustrated in the various drawingFigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the Accompanying Drawings:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view that diagrammaticallydepicts a fan type chemical volatilizing diffusing apparatus accordingto a first form of embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view of the apparatus taken alongthe lines II-II as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view that diagrammaticallydepicts a fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminatingnoxious or harmful insects according to a second form of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross sectional view of the debugging apparatusshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic explanatory view of a fan type debuggingapparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insectsaccording to a third form of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic explanatory view of a fan type debuggingapparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insectsaccording to a fourth form of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an operating member in the apparatus shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the amount of electriccurrent consumed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 while it is cyclicallyturned on and off;

FIG. 9 is a graph in which the rates of chemical volatilization fordifferent types of bodies impregnated with a given chemical are plottedwith respect to days of use in a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a graph in which the rates of chemical volatilization from achemical impregnated body when impregnated with different chemicals areplotted with respect to a time parameter; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view that diagrammatically depicts a means forvolatilizing a chemical from a mass of granules impregnated with thechemical forming a chemical impregnated body according to the presentinvention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An explanation is first given in respect of an apparatus according tothe first form of embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus comprises an apparatus mainbody or body portion 1 which as a whole is in the form of asubstantially rectangular box having its one side portion 2 and itsother side portion 3.

The first side portion 2 is made up of a substantially rectangular sideface plate 2 a and a first, a second, a third and a fourth end faceplate 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e which are continuous with the peripheralportion of the side face plate 2 a. The first side portion 2 is thus inthe form of a substantially rectangular box with one side face open.Disposed between the first and second end face plates 2 b and 2 c whichare opposed to each other and lying closer to the third end face plate dis a partition plate 4 fastened thereto, whose horizontal cross sectionis shaped substantially in the form of letter “U”, and which subdividesthe apparatus body portion 1 into a fan type blower accommodatingchamber 5 and a battery chamber 6.

The third end face plate 2 d is formed with an opening 7 shown as closedwith a cover 8 for putting dry cells 9 in and out of the battery chamber6 by opening the cover 8.

The other side portion 3 is planar and is removably attached to anopening 10 formed by the first, second, third and fourth end face plates2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e. The other side portion 3 is so attached, e.g., ina snap fit or in a hinged door fit.

A fan type blower 11 is shown disposed in the fan type bloweraccommodating chamber 5 and comprises a fan casing 12, a fan 13 and anelectric motor 14.

The fan casing 12 which comprises its one side face plate 12 a, otherside face plate 12 b and peripheral face plate 12 c has a recess 15formed in a center region of the one side face plate 12 a so as to sinktowards the opening 10 to hold the motor 14 therein. The other side faceplate 12 b is formed with a large diameter hollow 16 which is toroidal.

The peripheral face plate 12 c is formed with a discharge or deliveryoutlet 17 which is continuous with an air outlet 18 formed in the firstend face plate 2 b.

The fan 13 is configured in the form of a centrifugal fan, comprising arotary disk 13 a and a large number of radially extending blades 13 bfastened thereto closer to its periphery. The rotary disk 13 a is formedcloser to its center with a cylindrical and a planner portion 19 and 20forming a hollow that sinks towards the large diameter hollow 16, andproviding an annular hollow space 21 between the cylindrical portion 19and the blades 13 b. The hollow space 21 is open to communicate with theatmosphere via an intake opening 22 between the large diameter hollow 16of the other side face plate 12 b and the cylindrical portion 19.

The motor 14 has its drive shaft 14 a connected to the planar portion 20of the fan 13 and is driven to rotate the fan 13.

Unloadably loaded in the hollow space 21 of the fan 13 is acartridge-type active ingredient or a carrier body or mass 23 for theactive ingredient.

The active ingredient carrier body or mass 23 includes a housing 24 thatis hollow and toroidal in which a large number of particulate orgranular processed goods 25 of active ingredient are contained. Inloading the body 23, the housing 24 may be inserted from the intakeopening 22 into the hollow space 21 and then fixed in position byfastening attachment pieces 24 a provided for the housing 24 to theother side face plate 12 b of the fan casing 12 by means of machinescrews 26.

The housing 24 is formed with a large number of air outlets 27 opposedto the blades 13 b and air inlets 28 which are opposed to air intakeports 29 formed in the other side portion or member 3. The other sidemember 3 is provided with an airflow guide 30.

In operation, rotating the fan 13 by the motor 14 causes air to be drawnfrom the atmosphere through the intake ports 29 and the air inlets 28into the housing 24 and, ventilating the particulate processed goods 25,allows the chemical to volatilize and then spread into the atmospherethrough the air outlets 27, the discharge outlet 17 and the air outletport 18.

Then, with the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 23 itselfnon-rotated, the fan 13 is prevented from increasing its rotationalresistance.

Also, the ability to take the active ingredient impregnated body or mass23 out of the hollow space 21 into the outside of the apparatus bodyportion 1 by removing the other side member 3 and loosening the machinescrews 26 allows the active ingredient impregnated or carrier body ormass 23 to be exchanged as desired.

An explanation is next given in respect of modifications of the firstform of embodiment of the invention.

Thus, first with respect to the direction of ventilation, while in theform of embodiment described above air is drawn through a lower surfaceto flow out through a side surface of the fan type blower 11 with itsaxis of rotation (i.e., the drive shaft 14 a of the motor 14) set toextend vertically, as an alternative air can be, e.g., drawn through oneside surface to flow out through another side surface, or drawn throughan upper surface to flow out through a side surface of the fan typeblower 11 with the air inlet and outlet ports 29 and 18 properlyrearranged.

Likewise, the form of the apparatus can be altered according to itsaimed use. For example, it is possible to set the axis of rotation ofthe fan type blower 11 (i.e., the drive shaft 14 a of the motor 14) toextend in a transverse (front and rear) direction, thus to make theapparatus longer vertically and suitable for placement in a verticalclearance.

For the fan 13 of the fan type blower 11 for use in the presentinvention, in order to change the air flow from an axial direction to aradial direction, use is made of a centrifugal fan in which acentrifugal force is applied to impart an energy to the flow.

A centrifugal fan is preferable for the fan 13 because it has a largenumber of blades which are wider in width and lower in height, andstructurally it has no blade but a hollow space in its central area.

A centrifugal fan is preferable also because it is high in blast powerand relatively small in size.

Illustrative are, for example, a turbo fan, an airfoil fan, a limitedload fan, a radial fan, a multi-blade fan and so on.

It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned above beplaced in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to bring togetherefficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and then to let them out.

For the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 23 for loading in thehollow space 21 of the above mentioned centrifugal fan, use may also bemade of processed goods or a formed body or bodies which can beimpregnated with a volatile chemical as an active ingredient.

Illustrative are, for example, processed goods so as to have an activeingredient coated thereon by spraying or the like, or such processedgoods accommodated in air-permeable housing as in the case of FIGS. 1and 2, or a formed body or bodies such as of a synthetic resincontaining an active ingredient.

No limitation is imposed on materials that may make up the processedgoods or formed body except that they must be capable of fullycontaining an active ingredient and that they must be capable ofreleasing it when ventilated.

Illustrative for such materials are, for example, pulp, paper such asfilter paper or cardboard, a natural fiber such as of cotton, wool orchingma, an artificial fiber such as of polyester, nylon or polyolefine,a carbon fiber, a glass fiber, a ceramic, a synthetic resin such as ofpolyolefine, polyvinyl chloride or high-oil-absorptive polymer, nonwovenfabric, and a porous natural material.

No limitation is imposed on the shape or configuration of the activeingredient impregnated body either, except that the body must bedisposed in the hollow space of the centrifugal fan. Illustrative forthe shape and configuration are, for example, circular, semicircular,square and polygonal frames, and a toroidal hollow body.

No limitation is imposed on the size or geometry of the activeingredient impregnated body either, except that the body must be readilydisposed in that hollow space and that the body must not impair the fanto rotate.

No limitation is imposed on the thickness or length of the activeingredient impregnated body either, which relates to the content of theactive ingredient impregnant, except that it may be sized to meet withits aimed use. The body may even be designed to have its length inexcess of the length of the hollow space.

Also, as for loading the active ingredient impregnated body or mass,while in the form of embodiment described the housing 24 in whichparticulate processed goods 25 as the active ingredient impregnated bodyare packed is shown to be inserted into the hollow space 21 in thecentrifugal fan 13 and to be fastened to the fan casing 21, such ahousing 24 may be fastened directly to the apparatus main body portion1, e.g., by means of a clamping plate as separately prepared. It is alsopossible to provide the apparatus main body portion 1 with an openingfor insertion (e.g., in a region of the air intake port 29 in the otherside portion 3) so that the housing 24 may be inserted therethrough andthen fastened so.

Also, the fastening means is not limited to a machine nut or nuts butmay adopt an adhesive or cladding means. It is preferable that any suchmeans be selected according to the particular form of the activeingredient impregnated body designed for its intended use.

Also, illustrative for the battery or cell 9 used to power driving thefan type blower 11 are, for example, a primary cell or battery such asan alkaline dry cell, a manganese dry cell, a button type cell, an aircell or lithium ion cell, and a secondary cell or battery such as anickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion cell.

A suitable choice of a particular cell or battery may be made inconjunction with its kind (e.g., either alkaline or manganese, or unit 1or unit 2 type), its number and its manner of connection (parallel orseries) in consideration of its use conditions and period, the kind ofthe motor and fan used.

The fan type blower 11 for driving may also be powered by the commercialAC supply (e.g., with 100 volts). Then, it will become necessary toprovide the apparatus internally or externally with an AC-DC converter.

Also, a fan type chemical diffusing apparatus according to the presentinvention is not limited to a dedicated or exclusive apparatus as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 but may be applied to any home or office electricalappliance using a centrifugal fan as well, to provide it with thecapability of repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insects,deodorizing an offensive odor, and emanating fragrance or aroma.

The present invention, if implemented into, e.g., a battery typeportable apparatus that has no particular limitation on the place ofinstallment or that can be used anywhere is found to be useful andadvantageous.

Illustrative for the volatile chemical for use in the present inventionare included, among a variety of chemicals, an insecticide, an insectrepellent, an aromatic and a deodorant.

The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid insecticides of whichat least one chemical selected from the group which consists ofterallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin, allethrin, and empenthrin may beused as particularly advantageous.

For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one chemical may beused as preferred which is selected from the group consisting ofpyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.

Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an ultravioletabsorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated body and/orcompounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a casing for the activeingredient impregnated body will enable an implementation of the presentinvention to be used stably for a prolonged period of time. It alsoenables use in the outdoors.

End point marking methods which are essential to the preparation of achemical include a method of using a lipophilic anthraquinone dye forthe impregnated body if hydrophilic and utilizing the phenomena that thecolor of the dye if dissolved in the chemical is recognizable and thatwhen the chemical is evaporated out the dye gets into the body to makeits color unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a colorchangeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing organiccompound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron releasingorganic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer. Further includedis a method in which the rate of sublimation of a subliming agent ismade substantially equal to the rate of volatilization of the chemical.While any one of these methods may be used singly, the use of a changein color and a subliming agent in combination will make one feel the useactually and thus would be preferred.

The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as required byadjusting the area of a vent opening that may be provided for a casingcontaining the subliming agent.

Also for the active ingredients described, there is no limitationimposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants (insect repellents)listed below, in any combination with a proportion as desired.

For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a variety ofvolatile insecticides so far used may be utilized. Illustrative arepyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides and organophosphorusinsecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to be high in safety andhave been used well, of which preferred examples are listed below, eachgiven in the order of the general name, the chemical name and theparenthesized trade name followed by the producer.

-   allethrin: d1-3 allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl    d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1 •d-T80-allethrin: d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl    d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1•d-T-allethrin: d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl    d-trans-chrysanthemat (Bioallethrin)-   d•d-T-allethrin: d-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl    d-trans-chrysanthemat (Esbiol)-   d•d-T80-prallethrin:    (+)-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-(2-propionyl)-2-cyclopentenyl (+)-cis/trans    chrysanthemat (Etoc, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat    (Chrythron, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1 •d-T80-resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl    d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Chrythron forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   empenthrin: 1-ethynyl-2-methyl-2-pentenyl    d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dimethyl vinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane    carboxylate (Vaporthrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   terallethrin: d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl    -d1-cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-cyclopropane carboxylate    (Knoxthrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   phthalthrin: N-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide)-methyl    d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1•d-T80-phthalthrin: (1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo-2-indolyl)    methyl d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin forte, Sumitomo    Chemical Co.)-   furamethrin: 5-propargyl-2-furylmethyl d-cis/trans -chrysanthemat    (Pynamin D, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   permethrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl    d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane    carboxylate (Eksmin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   phenothrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Sumithrin,    Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   imiprothrin: 2,4-dioxo-1-(prop-2-inyl)-imidazolidine-3-yl methyl    (1R)-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pralle, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   fenvalerate: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl    butylate (Sumicidin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   cypermethrin: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl d1-cis/trans    -3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane carboxylate    (Agrothrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   cyphenothrin: (±) α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (+)-cis/trans    -chrysanthemat (Gokilaht, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   ethofenprox: 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl propyl-3-phenoxybenzyl    ether (Trebon)-   tefluthrin: 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-methyl    benzyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane    carboxylate-   fenpropathrin: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl    cyclopropane carboxylate-   fenfluthrin: 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl-d1-cis/trans    -3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2′-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane carboxylate-   1-ethynyl-2-methyl-2-pentenyl    cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-1-cyclopropane carboxylate

For specific examples of the organophosphorus insecticides may be listedthe following:

-   diazinon: (2-isopropyl-4-methyl pyrimidil-6)-diethyl thiophosphate    (Diazinon)-   fenitrothion, MEP;    O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)thiophosphate (Sumithion)-   pyridaphention; O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-oxo-2-phenyl-2H -pyridazin-6-yl)    phosphorothioate (Ofunack)-   malathion: dimethyl dicarbetoxy ethyl dithiophosphate (Malathon)-   dipterex: O,O-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl phosphonate-   chlorpyrifos:    O,O-dimethyl-O-(3,5,6-trichlor-2-pyridyl)-phosphorothioate-   fenthion: O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-methylthiophenyl)    -phosphorothioate (Baytex)-   dichlorvos: O,O-dimethyl-2,2-dichlorovinylphosphate (DDVP)-   propetamphos:    O-[(E)-2-isopropoxycarbonyl-1-methylvinyl]-O-methylethylphosphoramidethioate    (Safurotin)-   Abate: O,O,O′,O′-tetramethyl-O,O′-thiodi-P-phenylene    phosphorothioate-   prothiofos: dithiophosphoric acid O-2,4-dichlorophenyl O -ethyl    S-propyl ester (Tokuthion)-   phoxim: O,O-diethyl-O-(α-cyano benzylidene amino) thiophosphate

For oxadiazol insecticides may be listed the following:

-   methoxadiazone:    5-methoxy-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-O-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one (Elemic)

For chloro nicotine insecticides may be listed the following:

-   imidacloprid: 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl methyl)-N-nitro    imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine (Admire)-   acetamiprid: (E)-N¹-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-N² cyano-N¹-methyl    acetone amidine (Mospilan)

According to the apparatus described of the present invention, havingthe fan 13 configured to provide in its bulk, volume and size a hollowspace 21 adapted to accommodate an active ingredient impregnated body 23only requires the apparatus body portion 1 to have a space therein justenough to accommodate the fan blower 11, and eliminates the conventionalneed to provide an extra space for separately accommodating the activeingredient impregnated body 23.

This simplifies the apparatus body interior structurally and makes theapparatus compact and small sized.

Also, eliminating the requirement to separately dispose the activeingredient impregnated body beside the fan blower in the body portion 1of the apparatus, it enhances its design flexibility.

Also, the fan is found not to reduce its durability and capable ofretaining a sufficient amount of an active ingredient.

According to the apparatus described of the present invention, theactive ingredient impregnated body 23 not rotated with the fan 13 iskept not to increase the rotational resistance of the fan 13, and thusdoes not create a waste in its driving force.

The apparatus described of the present invention is economical becauseit requires only the active ingredient impregnated body 23 to beexchanged while leaving the fan 13 intact.

An explanation is next given in respect of a fan type debuggingapparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insectsaccording to second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the debugging apparatus has a body portion31 substantially in the form of a rectangular box, comprising an upperface plate 32, a lower face plate 33, a first pair of opposed sideplates 34 and a second pair of side plates 35, defining and enclosingits interior therewith. A partition plate 36 is provided to subdividewith the side face plates 34 and 35, this interior into an upper and alower space or compartment 37 and 38.

The upper space 37 has a fan type blower 40 mounted therein togetherwith an electric motor 39 for powering the same. The fan blower 40comprises a fan 41 and a fan casing 42, the latter serving toaccommodate and/or to protect the fan 41, and/or to rectify a windcreated and/or to intensify the wind force. In the form of embodimentillustrated, the fan 41 is constituted by a silocco fan with the fancasing 42 having its air intake side in communication with an air intakeport 43 formed in the partition plate 36 and its outlet side incommunication with an air discharge port 44 formed in one of the secondpair of side face plates 35.

The lower space 38 has a casing 45 for an impregnated body mountedremovably therein as opposed to the air intake port 43.

The impregnated body casing 45 is made of a material and/or has a shapethat excels in air permeability to permit air to smoothly passtherethrough.

The impregnated body casing 45 has an active ingredient impregnated body46 placed therein for accommodation and/or protection thereby.

At least a portion of the impregnated body casing 45 which contacts withthe impregnated body 46 is made of plastic comprising at least one ofpolyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS, polystyrene, AS,methacrylate resin, polyvinyl alcohol, EVA, phenol resin, siliconeresin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin andthermoplastic polyester resin.

The lower space 38 also has a battery or cells 47 detachably mountedtherein, the battery or cells 47 are for driving the motor 39.

In operation, driving the fan 41 with the motor 39 causes air asindicated by the arrow a to be drawn into the fan casing 42 past theimpregnated body casing 45, the impregnated body 46 and the intake port43.

Air drawn into the fan casing 41, creating a wind which is rectifiedand/or whose wind force is intensified thereby, is allowed to flow outthrough the outlet port 44 as indicated by the arrow b.

This permits an active ingredient impregnated in the active ingredientimpregnated body 46 to volatilize and then through the air outlet port44 to diffuse into the atmosphere.

In the form of embodiment of the present invention illustrated, for thepurposes of convenience a value that may be termed as “wind forceresistance value” R is established. In deriving a wind force resistancevalue, while it may ought to measure the wind (air) speed or air flowquantity direct, a method of measuring the amount of electric currentconsumption in the motor that varies as the air resistance of the activeingredient would give rise to less measurement error though it isindirect. Accordingly, the latter method is adopted here in the presentinvention.

The fan type debugging apparatus described should preferably be providedwith an impregnated body casing designed to accommodate and/or toprotect an active ingredient impregnated body in consideration ofperformance and stability and in use safety.

Also, the fan blower described should preferably be provided with a fan,a fan casing designed to accommodate and/or to protect the fan, and/orto rectify the wind of air an/or to intensify the wind force of air, andan electric motor.

The active ingredient impregnated body should preferably have a shape orconfiguration which rather than being a honeycomb form having an air orgas rectifying function is a form of material that is large in effectivearea which is at least one material selected from the group thatconsists of a mass of granules, a mass of strips and a mass of strings,filaments or threads. It is also preferable from the standpoints ofretention and/or release of the active ingredient that the particulatematerial forming the active ingredient impregnated body be composed ofat least one material selected from the group which consists of acellulose, a polymeric water absorptive agent, a polymeric oilabsorptive agent and a gel.

The active ingredient is preferably an insecticide or a growth controlagent that is effective to one or more kinds of insecticides but is notharm to men and beasts.

The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid insecticides of whichat least one chemical selected from the group which consists ofterallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin, allethrin, and empenthrin isparticularly advantageous.

For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one chemical ispreferred which is selected from the group consisting of pyriproxyfen,methoprene and hydroprene.

For the fan as a source that produces a wind force or power, use ispreferably made of a silocco fan and/or axial fan configuration. If asilocco fan configuration is used, it is desirable that fan casing isused which is desired to bring winds together around the fan.

In order to exhibit a maximum effect of repelling and exterminatingnoxious or harmful insects at a minimum energy, use is preferably madeof a power saving type motor having a current consumption of 100 mA orless under no load conditions with an applied voltage of 1.5 volts.Also, using a battery or cells as a power supply for such a motorenhances the serviceability of an apparatus according to the inventionin the sense that it does not choose a place for installment. The upperlimit set at 100 mA or less for permissible current consumption is basedon the assumption that a time period of at least 12 hours will berequired for use with a unit 3 type cell battery that is high ingeneral-purpose properties.

Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an ultravioletabsorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated body and/orcompounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a casing for the activeingredient impregnated body will enable an implementation of the presentinvention to be used stably for a prolonged period of time. It alsoenables use in the outdoors.

End point marking methods which are essential to the preparation of achemical include a method of using a lipophilic anthraquinone dye forthe impregnated body if hydrophilic and utilizing the phenomena that thecolor of the dye if dissolved in the chemical is recognizable and thatwhen the chemical is evaporated out the dye gets into the body to makeits color unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a colorchangeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing organiccompound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron releasingorganic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer. Further includedis a method in which the rate of sublimation of a subliming agent ismade substantially equal to the rate of volatilization of the chemical.While any one of these methods may be used singly, the use of a changein color and a subliming agent in combination will make one feel the useactually and thus would be preferred.

The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as required byadjusting the area of a vent opening that may be provided for a casingcontaining the subliming agent.

As a wind or winds created by the rotation of the fan driven by themotor, it is also desirable that air flow in the order of the air intakeport, the active ingredient impregnated body, the fan, the fan casingand the air outlet port.

Also for the active ingredients described, there is no limitationimposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants (insect repellents)listed below, in any combination with a proportion as desired.

For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a variety ofvolatile insecticides so far used may be utilized. Illustrative arepyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides and organophosphorusinsecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to be high in safety andhave been used well. Specific examples of the pyrethroid insecticides,the organophosphorus insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloronicotine insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection withthe first form of embodiment of the present invention.

For specific examples of the growth control agent may be listed thefollowing:

-   pyriproxyfen: 4-phenoxy phenyl (RS)-2-(2-pyridyl oxy) propyl ether-   methoprene: 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoic    acid-1-methyl ethyl ester-   hydroprene: ethyl (2E,4E)-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate-   phenoxy carb: ethyl [2-(4-phenoxy phenoxy)ethyl]carbamate

For specific examples of the insect repellent may be listed thefollowing:

-   N,N-diethyl-m-toluamid (deet)-   dimethyl phthalate-   dibuthyl phthalate-   2-ethyl-1,3-hexane diol-   1,4,4a,5a ,6,9,9a,9b-octa hydrodibenzofuran-4a-carb ardehyde-   di-n-propyl isothinchomeronate-   p-dichloro benzene-   di-n-butyl succinate-   diethyl amid caprate-   N-propyl acetanilide-   β-naphthol-   camphor

For representative natural volatile oils and their components may belisted the following: citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol,methyleugenol, geraniol, cinnamic aldehyde, linalool, perilla aldehyde,nepetalic acid, methylheptanone, decyl aldehyde, myrcene, geraniolacetate, thymol, limonene, cineol, pinene, cymene, terpinene, sabinene,elemene, cedrene, elemol, pidrol, cedrol, hinokithiol, thujaprisin,troporoid, hinokithin, thujopsen, borneol, camphene, terpineol, terpinylester, dipentene, phellandrene, caryophyllene, vanillin, furfural,furfuryl alcohol, pinocarveol, pinocarvone, myrtenol, verbenone,carvone, eudesmol, pepritone, thujene, phankyl alcohol, methylanthranilate, bisabolene, bengaptol (spelled phonetically), nonylaldehyde, nonyl alcohol, nootkatone, octyl aldehyde, linalyl acetate,geranyl acetate, nerolidol, ocimene, methyl anthranilate, indole,jasmone, benzaldehyde, pulegone, and so forth.

Isomers and/or derivatives of the above

Volatile oils including at least one selected from the above.

In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet absorbingagent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient described,there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or retardant foradjusting the amount of volatilization of the active ingredient, asubstance or substances having a function or functions of giving outfragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing as desired in accordance withthe present invention.

Next, mention is made of specific examples.

A fan type debugging apparatus as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 was used. Asthe active ingredient impregnated body, use was made of two impregnatedmasses of granules made of cellulose and having diameters of 4 mm and 2mm, respectively [supplied by Rengo, K. K. under the trade name ofViscopar (spelled phonetically)], and an impregnated mass of strips madeof paper cut into a size of 0.3 cm×70 cm. Investigations were made of arelationship between the amount of impregnation or loading and the windforce resistance R values that these bodies were assumed to have asderived from the measured values of current consumption E2 of the motor.The results of the investigations are summarized in Table 1 below.Values of current consumption when the impregnated bodies were unusedare shown as E1.

Investigations were also conducted of extents of the knockdown efficacyof these bodies impregnated with an active ingredient for common housemosquitoes and house flies and had results which are also included asefficaciousness in Table 1. TABLE 1 Impregnated Mass Uninstalled -Loading Amount (g) E1 - 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Granular Current9.5 — — 9.3 8.4 8.0 7.6 7.2 6.9 Impregnated (mA) - Mass E2 - (4 mmdiameter) Wind Force 0.0 — — 2.1 11.6  15.8  20.0  24.0  27.8 Resistance (%) - R - Efficaciousness — — — D B A B B C Granular Current9.5 — — 8.4 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.0 6.7 Impregnated (mA) - Mass E2 - (2 mmdiameter) Wind Force 0.0 — — 11.6  17.9  21.1  23.2  26.3  29.3 Resistance (%) - R - Efficaciousness — — — B A B B C D Strip-likeCurrent 9.5 9.1 8.6 7.8 7.3 6.9 — — — Impregnated (mA) - Mass E2 - WindForce 0.0 4.2 9.5 17.9  23.2  27.8  — — — Resistance (%) - R -Efficacious — C B A B C — — —

Criterion used for the efficaciousness is as shown in Table 2 below.Efficaciousness tests were carried out by leaving an approximately 100number of sample insects free in a 8.5 straw mat size (14.0 m²) livingroom, and counting the number of insects knocked down with elapse oftime from the commencement of volatilization of the active ingredient.The test results are indicated in KT₅₀ values calculated by Bliss'probit method. For the active ingredient, use was made of terallethrinin an amount of loading of 300 mg for one specimen. The criterion forefficaciousness was adopted with reference to results of test likewisedone for a heat vaporization liquid agent or a mosquito-repellentincense currently made available in the market. TABLE 2 EfficaciousnessA (Ac B (Ac- C D cepted) cepted) (Unaccepted) (Unaccepted) Knock-downEfficacy 0˜10 10˜20 20˜30 30˜ for Common House Mosquitoes KT₅₀ (minute)Knock-down Efficacy 0˜15 15˜30 30˜60 60˜ for House Flies KT₅₀ (minute)

The fan type debugging apparatus used in the above mentionedinvestigations and tests had the fan 41 made as a silocco fan directlyconnected to an electric motor 39 (supplied by Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.under the product name RF-330TK-07800) having a current consumption of 4mA under no load conditions with an applied voltage 1.5 volts, the fanalso having a fan casing 42 so disposed as to surround the fan 41. Thecasing 45 for accommodating an active ingredient impregnated body ormass was disposed on the side of the air intake port 43 to the fan 41.For the battery 47, two unit 3 type alkaline dry cells connected inseries are used.

From the results of the investigations and tests mentioned above, it hasbeen determined that if the wind force resistance R of the activeingredient impregnated body or mass 46, namely the proportion of themotor current consumption E2 when the active ingredient impregnated mass46 is loaded to the motor current consumption E1 when the activeingredient impregnated mass 46 is unused (R=100-E2/E1×100) is less than5% or not less than 26%, enough debugging efficacy is not obtainable.However, when that proportion lies in a range of 5 to 25%, it has beenfound that enough debugging efficacy can be obtained.

The present invention enables a motor driving energy to be efficientlyutilized to volatilize a plenty of an active ingredient, and providesvolatilization of a maximum amount of the active ingredient and thus amaximum extent of vermin or insect damage prevention at a minimum amountof input energy.

The present invention provides volatilizing a plenty amount of an activeingredient by using an active ingredient impregnated body or mass thatis large in effective area and also by efficient utilization of a windcreated.

The present invention is advantageous from the standpoints of either orboth of retention and volatilization of an active ingredient.

The present invention provides reliably bringing about vermin or insectdamage preventing effect to a maximum possible extent at a minimum ofinput energy.

An explanation is next given in respect of a third form of embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a fan type debugging apparatus for repelling andexterminating noxious or harmful insects according to the third form ofembodiment is provided that comprises a body portion 51 provided with amotor 52, a fan 53 for driving by the motor 52, an active ingredientimpregnated body or mass 14 to be ventilated by the fan 53, and abattery 55 that serves as a power supply for the motor 52, wherein thebattery, the motor and the fan constitutes a fan type blower forventilating the active ingredient impregnated body or mass to volatilizean inactive ingredient therein.

The battery 55 is exchangeable by taking off a cover 56.

Such a fan type debugging apparatus was implemented by using amulti-blade fan for the fan 53, a motor having a voltage application of3.0 volts and a current consumption of 6 milli-amperes (made by MabuchiMotor Co., Ltd. product RF-330TK) for the motor 52, two unit 3 typealkaline dry cells in series for the battery 55, a particulate celluloseor a mass of cellulose particles for the active ingredient carrier bodyor mass 54, and terallethrin in an amount of 300 mg for the activeingredient for impregnation in the carrier mass 54.

For experimentation, a fan type debugging apparatus so implemented wasplaced in a 8 straw mat size (size 13.2 m²) living room and used everyday with a running time duration of 12 hours/day.

As a result, the 45-th day the fan blower ran no longer, meaning that ithad run for a real total of 480 hours, and in that period of running ofthe fan blower there had been detected no mosquito bite.

The active ingredient carrier body or mass should preferably beconfigured in at least one form selected from the group which consistsof a form of granules or particles, a form of lines or strips and a formof strings, filament or threads which all provide a large effectivearea. It should preferably be composed of at least one material selectedfrom the group which consists of cellulose, polymeric water absorptivematerial, polymeric oil absorptive material and gel. Those selectionsare desirable from the standpoint of either or both of retention andrelease of an active ingredient.

For the active ingredient, preference is given of an insecticide orgrowth control agent which is not only efficacious to a noxious orharmful insect but is high in safety to men and beasts. Suchinsecticides are preferably pyrethroid insecticides of whichterallethrin prallethrin, furamethrin, allethrin and empenthrin areparticularly advantageous. Such particular pyrethroid insecticides maybe used singly or in combination.

For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one chemical may beused as preferred which is selected from the group consisting ofpyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.

Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an ultravioletabsorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated body and/orcompounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a casing for the activeingredient impregnated body will enable an implementation of the presentinvention to be used stably for a prolonged period of time. It alsoenables use in the outdoors.

End point marking methods which are essential to the preparation of achemical include a method of using a lipophilic anthraquinone dye forthe impregnated body if hydrophilic and utilizing the phenomena that thecolor of the dye if dissolved in the chemical is recognizable and thatwhen the chemical is evaporated out the dye gets into the body to makeits color unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a colorchangeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing organiccompound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron releasingorganic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer. Further includedis a method in which the rate of sublimation of a subliming agent ismade substantially equal to the rate of volatilization of the chemical.While any one of these methods may be used singly, the use of a changein color and a subliming agent in combination will make one feel the useactually and thus would be preferred.

The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as required byadjusting the area of a vent opening that may be provided for a casingcontaining the subliming agent.

Also for the active ingredients described, there is no limitationimposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants (insect repellents)listed below, in any combination with a proportion as desired.

For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a variety ofvolatile insecticides so far used may be utilized. Illustrative arepyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides and organophosphorusinsecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to be high in safety andhave been used well. Specific examples of the pyrethroid insecticides,the organophosphorus insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloronicotine insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection withthe first form of embodiment of the present invention. Also, specificexamples of growth control agent, specific examples of the repellent andits components, and specific examples of natural volatile oil and itscomponents have been listed hereinbefore in connection with the secondform of embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet absorbingagent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient described,there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or retardant foradjusting the amount of volatilization of the active ingredient, asubstance or substances having a function or functions of giving outfragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing as desired in accordance withthe present invention.

For the fan 53 in the fan type blower for use in the present invention,use may, if air is to flow from the axial direction to the radialdirection, be made of a centrifugal fan in which a centrifugal force isapplied to impart an energy to the flow. If air is to flow in the axialdirection, use may be made of an axial fan in which a lift force of theblade is used to impart energy to the flow.

Illustrative of the centrifugal fan are, for example, a turbo fan, anairfoil fan, a limited load fan, a radial fan, a multi-blade fan and soon.

Here, preferred are centrifugal funs and more preferred is a multi-bladefan.

It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned above beplaced in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to bring togetherefficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and then to let them out.

In designing the fan type blower made by the fan 53 mounted to the motor52, it has been found it important that as the load which acts on themotor 52 the index of air resistance f of the fan be taken into accountwhich is equal to motor current consumption I₁ with a motor loaded withthe fan divided by motor current consumption I₀ with the motor unloaded,and that the relationship be made here: 1<f<17, preferably 1<f<5.

The index of air resistance f represents the air resistance that a fanblade receives when the fan 53 rotates and is conveniently expressedhere by the ratio of current consumption of the motor 52 when it isloaded with the fan 53 to current consumption of the motor 52 when it isunloaded.

As the index of air resistance f increases, the current consumption ofthe motor 52 loaded with the fan 53 increases. Thus, it has been foundthat increasing the index of air resistance f to 18 or moresignificantly reduces the hours in which the fan 53 can run withoutchanging the battery.

Also, increasing the index of air resistance f tends to increase the fanin size. And, increasing the index of air resistance f to 18 or moremakes the apparatus body 51 excessively bulky and makes it inconvenientfor use. For example, the apparatus will become unhandy.

The fan 53 in size should advantageously have a diameter of 20 to 100mm, preferably 30 to 60 mm. With a diameter of 20 mm or less, the fanwill be too small in diameter to efficiently send air. If it is of axialtype, the fan with a diameter of 20 mm or less will have an area of ablade that is too small to give it enough lift force. Also, if it is ofcentrifugal type, the fan with a diameter of 20 mm or less will be toosmall in fan diameter to be given enough centrifugal force.

Attempting to obtain enough air flow requires the fan to be rotated withan increased number of rotation. This increases motor currentconsumption and also requires a higher voltage to be applied. It leadsto increasing the number of cells for use and makes the apparatusunsuitable in both total weight and cost.

With a diameter of 100 mm or more, the apparatus 51 will becomeexcessive bulky to the extent that it can no longer be a potable orhandy debugging apparatus.

The fan 53 in weight should advantageously range between 1.5 and 8 g.With a weight of less than 1.5 g, the fan 53 will be unable to send airin a necessary and sufficient volume.

With a weight in excess of 8 g, the fan 53 will become too heavy,bringing about the inconveniences that the motor 52 needs for too high apower for starting and must have an excessive current consumption.

The motor 52 as mentioned before should advantageously be a motor ofenergy saving type that has a voltage application of 3 volts and thatcan be driven with a current consumption of 35 mA or less when it isunloaded.

The motor 52 having a current consumption of 36 mA or more when it isunloaded significantly reduces the hours in which the fan type blowercan run without changing the battery.

For the battery 55, use may be made of one or more of general purposecells commercially available, such as alkaline dry cells, manganese drycells and so forth. As illustrative for practical applications of theinvention are one unit 3 type manganese dry cell (with a cell capacityof 1200 mA·hr), one unit 3 type alkaline dry cell (with a batterycapacity of 2300 mA·hr), two unit 3 type alkaline dry cells (with abattery capacity of 4600 mA·hr), one unit 2 type alkaline cry cell (withbattery capacity of 6900 mA·hr), one unit 1 type alkaline dry cell (witha battery capacity of 11500 mA·hr), two unit 2 type alkaline dry cells(with a battery capacity of 13800 mA·hr) and two unit 1 type alkalinedry cells (with a battery capacity of 23000 mA·hr).

The battery capacity here represents a load (amount of current) whichmakes the “battery life” 1 hour under the assumption that the batterylife is the time elapsed for a 1.5 volt battery (cell or cells) involtage to drop to 0.9 volt. In other words, the battery capacity meansthe amount of electric current that makes the voltage of a 1.5 voltbattery (cell or cells) drop to 0.9 volt in an hour.

While there are slight differences in indicating the battery capacity,there do not affect the present invention, and the battery capacitiesshown above are illustrative only and are not intended to limit thepresent invention.

Pre-establishing the index of air resistance f of the fan 53, the sizeof the fan 53, the weight of fan 53 and the current consumption I₀ ofthe motor 52 when it is unloaded each in the range described provides adebugging apparatus that is portable or handy. These parameters may beso pre-established in various combinations to give rise to such anapparatus with a varied time duration in which they can operate withoutchanging the battery.

Such a time duration, i.e., the hours in which a debugging apparatus asdescribed can operate without changing the battery can be prolonged inaccordance with the present invention by establishing the currentconsumption of the motor loaded with the fan so that the ratio of theoperable time duration to the battery capacity has a value of not lessthan 5%, preferably not less than 10%, and more preferably not less than20%.

For example, if the fan loaded motor current consumption is set at about27.4 mA, the apparatus with a battery capacity of about 2300 mA·hr canoperate only for a total time duration of about 84 hours, making theratio of the operable time duration to the battery capacity about 3.7%.

However, if the fan loaded motor current consumption is set at about 20mA, the apparatus with the same battery capacity can operate for a totaltime duration of 115 hours, thus making the ratio 5%.

Assuming that the apparatus is used for 12 hours a day, it can be seenthat the former with the ratio of 3.7% allows it to be used for 7 daysonly and the latter with the ratio of 5% permits it to be used for 9days.

Mention is next made of specific examples of the third form ofembodiment of the present invention.

With the use of various types of the fan and motor in an apparatus asshown in FIG. 5, the time duration of the apparatus until it becomesinoperative was measure, however, without using the active ingredientimpregnated body or mass 54. The test results are shown in Table 3below. TABLE 3 Battery Capacity (mA · hr) 1200 2300 4600 6900 1150013800 23000 Fan Fan Fan Fan Fan Fan Fan Test I₀ I₁ OPT OPT OPT OPT OPTOPT OPT Ratio No. mA f mA hr hr hr hr hr hr hr (%) Motor used 1 2 2 4480 980 1920 2880 4800 5760 9600 41.7 Trial product 2 2 16 32 60 120 240360 600 720 1200 5.2 Trial product 3 6 2 12 160 320 640 980 1600 19203200 13.9 Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK 4 6 5 30 64 128 256 384 640768 1280 5.6 Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK 5 14 2 28 69 137 274 411686 823 1371 6.0 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. MDN3BT3CPA 6 22 1.5 3358 116 233 349 582 698 1164 5.1 Tokyo Parts Industry, Ltd. FC8 7 30 1.133 58 116 233 349 82 698 1164 5.1 Tokyo Parts industry, Ltd. FSB3 Com. 12 20 40 48 96 192 288 480 576 980 4.2 Trial product Com. 2 6 18 108 1836 71 107 178 213 356 1.5 Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK Com. 3 14 2.332.2 45 90 180 270 450 540 900 3.9 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.MDN3BT3CPA Com. 4 22 5 110 17 35 70 105 175 209 349 1.5 Tokyo PartsIndustry, Ltd. FC8 Com. 5 40 2 80 24 48 96 144 240 288 480 2.1 TokyoParts Industry, Ltd. FSB3 Com. 6 50 20 1000 2 4 8 12 19 23 38 0.2Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RE-140RAI₀: Current consumption of the motor unloaded.I₁: Current consumption of the motor loaded with the fanf: Index of fan air resistanceFan OPT (hr: Fan operating hours)Ratio: Fan OPT hr/Battery capacity (mA · hr) (%)Com: Comparative test

Current consumption was measured using Kenwood Co., Digital MultimeterDL-712. Measurement was made at a wiring between the motor 52 and thebattery 55.

Test Nos. 1 to 7 met all of the three requirements described of thisform of embodiment of the invention.

Comparative Tests 1 to 6 include those which met only one of the threerequirements of the invention, those which met two of those requirementsand those which met all of those requirements.

Compare test results of Test Nos. 1 and 2 with those of ComparativeTest 1. All these tests used the same motor. Comparing Test No. 1 withComparative Test 1, it is seen that between those tests using the samebattery capacity of 2300 mA·hr (corresponding to two unit 3 typealkaline cells connected in series) there is a difference in fanoperating time as many as 24 hours. And, if the battery capacity israised to 23000 mA·hr (corresponding to two unit 1 type alkaline cellsconnected in parallel), the difference in fan operating time durationbecomes as many as 220 hours, thus manifesting a significant economicaldifference Comparison of Test No. 1 with Comparative Test 1 manifestseven more the economical difference between the inventive apparatus andthe prior art.

Comparison of Test Nos. 3 and 4 with Comparative Test 2 has the same orsimilar results.

Next, compare test results of Test No. 5 with those of Comparative Test3. Comparative Test 3 used a current consumption of the motor unloadedand an index of air resistance of the fan each within the correspondingrequirement of the present invention but, having the result of a pooroperating time duration, represents an example showing that economy isnot attainable depending on a certain combination of them. Using abattery capacity of 2300 mA·hr (corresponding to two unit 3 typealkaline cells connected in series), it is seen that Test No. 5 had afan operating time duration longer than Comparative Test 3 by as many as47 hours. And, if the battery capacity is raised to 23000 mA·hr(corresponding two unit 1 type alkaline cells connected in parallel),the difference in fan operating time duration becomes as many as 471hours.

Comparison of Test No. 6 with Comparative Test 4 has the same or similarresults.

Next, compare the test results of Test No. 3 with those of ComparativeTest 5. These tests used the same fan index of air resistance (notmeaning that they used the same fan). Comparative Test 5 had a currentconsumption of the motor unloaded that is outside of the range thepresent invention requires. Comparison of these tests makes thedifference manifest.

It should be noted that Comparative Test 6 which satisfied none of therequirements evidences uneconomicalness of the prior art.

From the foregoing test results, it will be evident that satisfying allof the requirements according to the present form of embodiment of theinvention provides a prolonged fan operating time duration.

A fan type debugging apparatus according to this form of the presentinvention allows a motor to be driven and thus a fan to send air to andventilate a body or mass impregnated with an active ingredient, over aprolonged total number of hours without changing the battery, therebypermitting the active ingredient to volatilize over such an extendedtime period without requiring a battery change.

There is also provided a portable or handy debugging apparatus forrepelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insects.

An explanation is next given in respect of a fourth form of embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, an apparatus according to the forth form ofembodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus body or body portion61 provided with an electric motor 52, a fan 53, a body or mass 54impregnated with an active ingredient and a battery 55. The battery 55can be replaced for by putting a cover 56 out of place.

The motor 52 and the fan 53 constitute a fan type blower which sends airto and ventilates the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 54 tovolatilize the active ingredient.

The apparatus body portion 51 also incorporates a current controlcircuit unit 57 such as a timer that controls power to the motor 52. Bymanipulating an operating member 58 such as a dial provided therefor,the power control circuit unit 57 is designed to turn the energizingcurrent to the motor 52 on and off alternately.

For example, the operating member 58 as shown in FIG. 7 may havegraduations 58 a and a knob or button 58 b such that setting the button58 b to a given graduation 58 a establishes a particular current on andoff time as desired.

The current control circuit unit 57 may have an operating and a haltingtime period pre-established therein so that with a power switch turnedon, the motor 52 may be driven for the pre-established operating timeperiod and may be halted for the pre-established halting time periodwith the cycle repeated.

The operating and halting time periods have the following relationship.

The halting time period is here defined as a time period that in thelength of time is not greater than 9 (nine) times as long as theoperating time period and in which the amount of electric current(quantity of electricity) not lost is greater than the amount ofelectric current (quantity of electricity) which is consumed when themotor commences to be driven and which is in excess of a stable electriccurrent that appears thereafter.

Mention is made more specifically of the halting time period.

The electric current rises to a value I₁ when the motor commences to bedriven. A lower stable value of electric current I₂ appears with acertain lapse of time t₀ after the current begins to flow.

The amount of electric current (quantity of electricity) S₁ that isconsumed after the motor starts to be driven and within the lapse oftime t₀ until the current becomes stable is greater than the amount ofelectric current (quantity of electricity) S₂ that is consumed withinthe same length of time t₀ after the current becomes stable. And, thereis an excess current consumption (consumed quantity of electricity):S₁-S₂.

If the motor is driven or operated for a time period t₁ and halted for atime period t₂, then the amount of electric current (quantity ofelectricity) S₃ not consumed during the halting time period t₂ isexpressed by t₂×I₂ (stable electric current magnitude).

If the amount of electric current (quantity of electricity) S₃ that isnot consumed in the halting time period t₃ is less than the excesscurrent consumption (consumed quantity of electricity) S₁-S₂ that occurswhen the motor starts to be driven, then it does not make sense to applyan electric current intermittently because the total current consumption(consumed quantity of electricity) when the current is appliedintermittently becomes greater than the total current consumption(consumed quantity of electricity) when the current is appliedcontinuously. Accordingly, the halting time period t₂ must be a timeperiod as mentioned above in which the amount of electric current(quantity of electricity) S₃ not consumed in the time period t₂ isgreater than the excess current consumption (consumed quantity ofelectricity): S₁-S₂ when the motor starts to be driven.

Such a halting time period t₂ is expressed by the inequity:t₂>(S₁-S₂)/I₂.

The operating time period and the halting time period can bepre-established, depending on purposes, in various manners, e.g., inunits of days, hours, minutes and seconds. For example, the motor (fan)may periodically be operated or driven for one day and halted for oneday, driven for 1 hour and halted for 2 hours, driven for 10 minutes andhalted for 50 minutes, and/or operated for 30 seconds and halted for 20seconds.

A halting time period of any length of time is sufficient unless it isless than 9 times as long as the operating or driving time period. Itshould, of course, be established with due consideration taken for roomactive ingredient richness at the halting time period, and a reductionin room active ingredient richness per unit of time.

Also, the operating time period must be a time period that isefficacious and enough to exterminate a particular noxious or harmfulinsect or insects to be exterminated. For example, for female stegomyiamosquitoes it is a time period required for their 50% to be knocked downor for them to refrain from taking bloodsucking behavior. For clothesmoths it is a time period needed for their 50% to be knocked down or forthem to refrain from taking food harming behavior. The operating timeperiod is determined with a combination of a particular noxious orharmful insect, a particular active ingredient and a particular motortaken into account.

For the fan in the fan type blower for use in the present invention, usemay, if air is to flow from the axial direction to the radial direction,be made of a centrifugal fan in which a centrifugal force is applied toimpart an energy to the flow. If air is to flow in the axial direction,use may be made of an axial fan in which a lift force of the blade isused to impart energy to the flow.

Illustrative of the centrifugal fan are, for example, a turbo fan; anairfoil fan, a limited load fan, a radial fan, a multi-blade fan and soon.

Here, preferred are centrifugal funs and more preferred is a multi-bladefan.

It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned above beplaced in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to bring togetherefficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and then to let them out.

Also, illustrative for the battery or cell used to power driving the fantype blower are, for example, a primary cell or battery such as analkaline dry cell, a manganese dry cell, a button type cell, an air cellor lithium ion cell, and a secondary cell or battery such as a nickelcadmium battery or a lithium ion cell.

A suitable choice of a particular cell or battery may be made inconjunction with its kind (e.g., either alkaline or manganese, or unit 1or unit 2 type), its number and its manner of connection (parallel orseries) in consideration of its use conditions and period, the kind ofthe motor and fan used.

The active ingredient impregnated body should preferably have a shape orconfiguration which besides a honeycomb form having an air or gasrectifying function is a form of material that is large in effectivearea which is at least one material selected from the group thatconsists of a mass of granules, a mass of strips and a mass of strings,filaments or threads. It is also preferable from the standpoints ofretention and/or release of the active ingredient that the particulatematerial forming the active ingredient impregnated body be composed ofat least one material selected from the group which consists of acellulose, a polymerie water absorptive agent, a polymeric oilabsorptive agent and a gel.

The active ingredient is preferably an insecticide or a growth controlagent that is effective to one or more kinds of insecticides but is notharm to men and beasts.

The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid insecticides of whichat least one chemical selected from the group which consists ofterallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin, allethrin, and empenthrin isparticularly advantageous.

For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one chemical ispreferred which is selected from the group consisting of pyriproxyfen,methoprene and hydroprene.

Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an ultravioletabsorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated body and/orcompounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a casing for the activeingredient impregnated body will enable an implementation of the presentinvention to be used stably for a prolonged period of time. It alsoenables use in the outdoors.

End point marking methods which are essential to the preparation of achemical include a method of using a lipophilic anthraquinone dye forthe impregnated body if hydrophilic and utilizing the phenomena that thecolor of the dye if dissolved in the chemical is recognizable and thatwhen the chemical is evaporated out the dye gets into the body to makeits color unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a colorchangeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing organiccompound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron releasingorganic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer. Further includedis a method in which the rate of sublimation of a subliming agent ismade substantially equal to the rate of volatilization of the chemical.While any one of these methods may be used singly, the use of a changein color and a subliming agent in combination will make one feel the useactually and thus would be preferred.

The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as required byadjusting the area of a vent opening that may be provided for a casingcontaining the subliming agent.

Also for the active ingredients described, there is no limitationimposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants (insect repellents)listed below, in any combination with a proportion as desired.

For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a variety ofvolatile insecticides so far used may be utilized. Illustrative arepyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides and organophosphorusinsecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to be high in safety andhave been used well. Specific examples of the pyrethroid insecticides,the organophosphorus insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloronicotine insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection withthe first form of embodiment of the present invention. Also, specificexamples of growth control agent, specific examples of the repellent andits components, and specific examples of natural volatile oil and itscomponents have been listed hereinbefore in connection with the secondform of embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet absorbingagent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient described,there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or retardant foradjusting the amount of volatilization of the active ingredient, asubstance or substances having a function or functions of giving outfragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing as desired in accordance withthe present invention.

Mention is next made of tests and their results.

Using a fan type debugging apparatus as shown in FIG. 6, tests wereconducted as for bloodsucking by female stegomyia mosquitoes.

The motor used in the fan type debugging apparatus was an motor of modelRF-330TK made by Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.

The battery consisted of two unit 3 type alkaline cells connected inseries.

The chemical used was terallethrin and the impregnatable or carrier bodywas a mass of granules or particles made of a cellulose.

Conditions of the tests were as follows:

-   -   The tests were carried out in 4.5, 8, 10 and 12 straw mat (7.4,        13.2, 16.5 and 19.8 m²) living rooms.    -   One of the four walls of each room had a ventilating window of 1        m×1 m size which was left open in all the times.    -   A room temperature of 25° C. was held substantially constant.    -   The period of each of the tests was for half a year (180 days).    -   Ones of which use periods are less than half a year was replaced        each time.    -   The days of measurement were 1st, 15^(th), 30^(th), 60^(th), and        120 ^(th) days.    -   In each of the rooms an air permeable cage was placed in which        one (1) female mouse was loosed together with twenty (20) female        stegomyia mosquitoes and its bloodsucking was checked after 24        hours.    -   The amount of charge of the chemical was set up for each number        of straw mats (area).    -   The test results were marked with ⊚ if the rate of knockdown is        90% or more, with ◯ if it is 50% or more and with Δ if it is        less than 50%, and with X if there was bloodsucking.

The results of the test in the 4.5 straw mat (7.4 m²) room are shown inTable 4 below. TABLE 4 Results of Tests in a 4.5 Straw Mat Room TestAmount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th 120-th No. of Charge t₂/t₁ Days of Use DayDay Day Day Day Test 1 1.3 g 2  60 days ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Test 2 1.3 g 5 120days ⊚ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Test 3 1.3 g 9 200 days ◯ Δ Δ Δ Δ Com. 1.3 g Continuous 20 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 1 Com. 1.3 g 10  220 days Δ X Δ X X Test 2 Com.1.3 g t₂ < (S₁ − S₂)/I₂  18 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 3

The results of the test in the 8 straw mat (13.2 m²) room are shown inTable 5 below. TABLE 5 Results of Tests in a 8 Straw Mat Room TestAmount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th 120-th No. of Charge t₂/t₁ Days of Use DayDay Day Day Day Test 1 2.2 g 2  60 days ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Test 2 2.2 g 5 120days ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Δ Test 3 2.2 g 9 200 days ◯ Δ Δ Δ Δ Com. 2.2 g Continuous 20 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 1 Com. 2.2 g 10  220 days Δ Δ X X X Test 2 Com.2.2 g t₂ < (S₁ − S₂)/I₂ 18 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 3

The results of the test in the 10 straw mat (16.5 m²) room are shown inTable 6 below. TABLE 6 Results of Tests in a 10 Straw Mat Room TestAmount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th 120-th No. of Charge t₂/t₁ Days of Use DayDay Day Day Day Test 1 2.8 g 2  60 days ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ◯ Test 2 2.8 g 5 120days ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Δ Test 3 2.8 g 9 200 days ◯ Δ Δ Δ Δ Com. 2.8 g Continuous 20 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 1 Com. 2.8 g 10  220 days Δ X X X X Test 2 Com.2.8 g t₂ < (S₁ − S₂)/I₂  18 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 3

The results of the test in the 12 straw mat (19.8 m²) room are shown inTable 7 below. TABLE 7 Results of Tests in a 12 Straw Mat Room TestAmount 1-st 15-st 30-st 60-st 120-st No. of Charge t₂/t₁ Days of Use DayDay Day Day Day Test 1 3.3 g 2  60 days ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Test 2 3.3 g 5 120days ⊚ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ Test 3 3.3 g 9 200 days ◯ Δ Δ Δ Δ Com. 3.3 g Continuous 20 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 1 Com. 3.3 g 10  220 days Δ Δ X X X Test 2 Com.3.3 g t₂ < (S₁ − S₂)/I₂  18 days ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Test 3

Test Nos. 1 to 3 were longer in days of use than Comparative Test 1 inwhich electric current is applied continuously, but were able to achieveefficacy equivalent to that achieved by Comparative Test 1. Test No. 1allowed days of use three times longer than the case of continuous usebut had the efficacy substantially equal to that achievable by thelatter. Test No. 2 allowed days of use six times longer than the case ofcontinuous use and had no bloodsucking although it saw some drop inefficacy towards the end of the days. Test No. 3 failed to achieve aneminent knock-down, but were so efficacious enough to prevent bloodsucking and allowed days of use 10 times longer than the case ofcontinuous use.

Comparative Test 2 was long in days of use but had bloodsucking bymosquitoes.

Comparative Test 3 was enough in efficacy, but became short in days ofuse in spite of the fact that current is turned on and off, evidentlybecause of the failure to satisfy the requirement: t₂>(S₁-S₂)/I₂.

It has thus been shown that a fan type debugging apparatus according tothe present invention if used in a living space achieves sufficientefficacy and maintains the same for a prolonged period of time.

It will be appreciated that any of the second to fourth forms ofembodiment of the present invention as described is applicableindividually in a combination to the first form of embodiment of theinvention described.

An explanation is next given in respect of a fifth form of embodiment ofthe present invention.

In order to resolve Problem (1) mentioned hereinbefore in the discussionof the Background Art, a chemical impregnated or carrier body (an activeingredient impregnated or carrier body) is made granular or particulate,i.e., made in the form of a mass of particles or granules, and thesechemical impregnated or carrier particles or granules are themselvesagitated. This has been found to make even the amounts of wind or airflows which the carriers receive, thereby preventing the amount of thechemical that remained in the chemical impregnated particulate mass orbody from varying depending on a local site in air flow direction. Theeffects have been demonstrated from the tests conducted of which methodsand test results are stated below.

A test apparatus was made on placing in a square wind blow outlet of 8cm side an impregnated body receptacle made of a cylinder of 8 cm innerdiameter and 10 cm height and with nets put up to cover its top andbottom. The receptacle accommodated therein a mass of 2 grams in weightof granules having a diameter of 4 mm and impregnated with a chemical of300 milligrams in weight. Local variations were measured of the amountof the chemical that remained in that mass after a run of three (3) full(24 hours) days.

As a comparative, local variation were also measured of the chemicalthat remained in a monolithic immobile body of honeycomb shapeimpregnated with the chemical placed in a same square wind blow outletof 8 cm side. Test results are shown in Table 8 below. TABLE 8 GranularMass Monolithic Body impregnated with Impregnated with Site* ofMeasurement Chemical (Invention) Chemical (Comparative) 0˜1 cm 63.8141.02 2˜3 cm 65.30 73.24 4˜5 cm 64.97 95.67Numeric values in the table indicate amounts that remain for 100 ofcharge of the chemical. Each site of measurement is indicated by thedistance from the blow outlet of the chemical impregnated mass or body.

In Table 8, the numeric values each indicate an amount that remains for100 of charge of the chemical. Each site of measurement is indicated bythe distance from the blow outlet of the chemical impregnated granularmass or monolithic body.

When use is made of a chemical impregnated monolithic body, it is seenthat a chemical tends to volatilize more at sites closer to the fan blowoutlet, and very little at sites remote from it where 90% or more of thechemical tends to remain. In contrast, if use is made of a granular orparticulate mass impregnated with the chemical, it is shown that thereis substantially no difference in the amount than remains betweenlocally different sites by virtue of the fact that the chemicalimpregnated granular or particulate mass while being constantly agitatedacts to volatilize the chemical.

Also, in order to resolve Problem (2) mentioned previously in thediscussion of the Background Art, a measure as mentioned below has beentaken. Thus, the chemical impregnated body is made in the form of a massof particles or granules whose number in a given space is increased.This makes smaller each individual chemical carrying particle orgranules and in turn makes shorter the distance of travel of thechemical. As a result, the chemical as it volatilizes from the outersurfaces of the chemical impregnated particulate mass is more quicklyreplenished from the interior into those outer surfaces, thereby makingthe density or concentration of the chemical in the mass even over itsentire volume. A state of stabilized volatilization of the chemical isthus established. Further, it is also conceivable to add any of variouskinds of solvents as a measure to promote evenness in distribution ofthe chemical on each individual chemical carrying particle or granule.This is found to be an effective measure for a chemical that is high inviscosity and low in mobility.

Tests were also conducted to investigate patterns of volatilization of achemical from a chemical impregnated particulate mass according to thepresent invention and a chemical impregnated monolithic body in theprior art. Each of these chemical carriers had an identical kind andamount of chemical impregnated therein, and was run for fifteen (15)consecutive days. On each of the fifth, tenth and fifteenth day ameasurement is made of the amount of the chemical that remained, fromwhich the amount of volatilization of the chemical per unit time isestimated. Test results are shown in Table 9 below and also in the graphof FIG. 9. TABLE 9 Initial Charge Amount that Effective Chemical Days ofRunning Amount remained Rate of Volatilization Carrier 0-5 5-10 10-15(mg) (mg) (%) Chemical 2.64 2.50 2.33 1005 105.93 89.46 ImpregnatedParticulate Mass Chemical 2.59 2.18 1.29 998 273.65 72.58 ImpregnatedMonolithic Body

From the test results shown in Table 9 above and the graph of FIG. 9, itis seen that in the monolithic body the rate of volatilization islowered substantially proportionally from the start of running while inthe particulate mass the amount of volatilization is stably maintained.This stabilized amount of volatilization over a prolonged time period isthought to be attributable to the fact that agitating or stirring thechemical carrier particles used to form the chemical impregnated massmakes even the concentration of the chemical over its entire volume andcauses the chemical to flow or move dynamically on each individualcarrier particle. It is also thought to be attributable to the fact thata reduction in weight as a result of volatilization of the chemicalcauses lowering the specific gravity of each of the mass and theimpregnant chemical, which in turn increases the mobility of thechemical carrier particles; as a result, the increased mobility stillmaintains the amount of volatilization of the chemical substantially ata given level though the concentration of the chemical is lowered.

Also, as for the effective rate of volatilization which is theproportion of the amount of chemical that is its initial charge amountminus the amount that remains on the 15^(th) day to its initial chargeamount shown in Table 9, it is seen that the value of 89.46% in the caseof the particulate mass compared with the value of 72.58 in the case ofmonolithic body indicates that the particulate mass allows a highlyefficient volatilization of the chemical.

Further, in order to resolve Problem (3) mentioned hereinbefore in thediscussion of the Background Art, a measure as stated below has beentaken. Thus, effective utilization of energy is attained by causingchemical carrier particles as the chemical impregnated mass to receiveboth types of winds, i.e., winds from the fun and winds created whenthey are themselves rotated. This makes the total required surface areaof the mass as a whole smaller than that of a conventional body, andreduces the loss of a wind force. Table 10 shows results of tests usinga chemical impregnated particulate mass according to the presentinvention and a chemical impregnated monolithic body of honeycomb shapein the prior art in which both the particulate mass and monolithic bodyhad an identical real volume, and a wind force was measured at each ofsites 5 cm upper and 10 cm upper, respectively, of the chemicalvolatilizing outlet. The test results, here again, show that theparticulate porous mass is more favorable than the monolithic porousbody, by evidencing that the former produces a greater wind speed, andis lesser in the loss of wind force, than the latter. TABLE 10 WindSpeed (m/sec) Chemical Chemical Chemical impregnated impregnatedimpregnated Particulate Monolithic Mass or Body Site of Measure MassBody Uninstalled 5 cm upper from 1.6 1.0 2.4 volatilizing outlet 10 cmupper from 0.8 0.5 1.2 volatilizing outlet Real Volume of chemical 4.054.10 — impregnated Mass or Body (cm³)

The foregoing tests and test results have also revealed the following:Thus, in order to maintain the amount of volatilization of a chemicalover a prolonged time period by preventing local variation ofvolatilization in the chemical impregnated particulate mass whileeffectively utilizing wind force energy of the fan, it is desirable thatthe chemical carrier particles forming the particulate mass be stirredor agitated moderately or to a proper extent. To this end, it has beenfound that certain requirements as mentioned below be met.

First, there is a requirement that relates to the configuration of thechemical carrier particles. It is desirable that the chemical carrierparticles have a shape that minimizes their mutual frictional drag orresistance leading to a loss of energy when they are agitated, i.e., ashape of particles such that the maximum area of contact of one particlewith another be not in excess of one half of its total surface area.Specifically, it is desirable that the chemical carrier particles beeach in the form of a sphere which should be the shape that provides aminimum friction.

A second requirement for the chemical carrier particles requires thatthe particles as a particulate mass have an appropriate set of abilitiesfor the chemical, i.e., the ability to be loaded (impregnated) with thechemical, the ability to unload (release) the chemical, and the abilityto promote the chemical to be made even quickly in the particulate mass.The ability to be loaded with chemical depends on the real volume of theparticulate mass, and the ability to unload the chemical and the abilityto promote the chemical to be quickly made even depend on the densityand thus the porosity of the particulate mass.

The real volume of a particulate mass required for this aspect of thepresent invention can be derived from its porosity and apparent volume,and can be adjusted as desired in a range as mentioned below with theproperties of the chemical such as its vapor pressure and viscositytaken into account. The real volume of a chemical carrier particulatemass, as expressed by [apparent volume×(1−porosity/100)], shoulddesirably range, for each particle, from 5×10⁻³ to 5×10⁵ mm³, preferablyfrom 5×10⁻³ to 5×10³ mm³, more preferably from 5×10⁻² to 5×10⁻¹ mm³.And, the amount of volatilization and the number of days in whichefficacy is to last can be adjusted by the number of the chemicalcarrier particles and the concentration of the chemical to be carriedthereby.

A third requirement for the chemical carrier or impregnated particulatemass requires that it have a specific gravity in a range from 0.005 to0.5 when the air flow per unit time of the wind that passes through areceptacle which accommodates the chemical carrier particulate massranges between 0.01 and 1.0 m³/min. If, however, a large fan having anair flow of 1.0 m³/min or more is used, the chemical carrier particulatemass can be used even if it has a specific gravity of 0.5 or more.

A fourth requirement may further be included that requires that eitheror both of the chemical carrier particulate mass or its receptacle beprocessed for an antistatic. For there is a possibility that anelectrostatic if it develops may act to impede agitation between thechemical carrier particles or between the chemical carrier particles andtheir receptacles.

In view of the foregoing, a chemical volatilizing apparatus is providedin accordance with the present invention, characterized in that a massof a particulate material or particles is accommodated in a receptacleand is impregnated therein with a chemical to serve as a carriertherefor, the carrier particles being ventilated with winds from a fanand, while being agitated or stirred by wind forces, permitting thechemical impregnated in the particulate mass to volatilize.

A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present invention asdescribed is also characterized in that each of the chemical carrierparticles should preferably have a shape such that the maximum area ofcontact of one particle with another is not more than one half of thetotal surface area of the particle.

A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present invention asdescribed is also characterized in that the real volume of a chemicalcarrier particulate mass, as expressed by [apparentvolume×(1−porosity/100)], should desirably range, for each particle,from 5×10⁻⁵ to 5×10⁵ mm³, preferably from 5×10⁻³ to 5×10³ mm³ morepreferably from 5×10⁻² to 5×10⁻¹ mm³.

A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present invention asdescribed is also characterized in that the chemical carrier orimpregnated particulate mass should preferably have a specific gravityin a range from 0.005 to 0.5 when the air flow per unit time of the windthat passes through a receptacle which accommodates the chemical carrierparticulate mass ranges between 0.01 and 1.0 m³/min.

A chemical volatilizing method according to the present invention asdescribed is further characterized in that either or both of thechemical carrier particulate mass for chemical volatilization or itsreceptacle should preferably be pre-processed for an antistatic.

While mention is made below of specific examples of this aspect of thepresent invention, it should be understood that the present invention isnot limited thereto.

A chemical for use in the present invention as impregnated in thechemical carrier particulate mass may be any one of known volatilechemicals should be selected according to an aimed use thereof.

For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a variety ofvolatile insecticides so far used may be utilized. Illustrative arepyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides and organophosphorusinsecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to be high in safety andhave been used well, of which specific examples are listed below, eachgiven in the order of the general name, the chemical name and theparenthesized trade name followed by the producer.

-   allethrin: 3-allyl-2-methyl cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one -1-yl    d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1•d-T80-allethrin: 3-allyl-2-methyl cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl    d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d1•d-T-allethrin: 3-allyl-2-methyl cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl    d-trans-chrysanthemat (Bioallethrin)-   d•d-T-allethrin: d-3-allyl-2-methyl cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl    d-trans-chrysanthemat (Esbiol)-   d•d-T80-prallethrin: d-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-propargyl cyclopento-2-enyl    d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Etoc, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   phthalthrin: N-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide)-methyl    d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d-T80-phthalthrin: (1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo    -2-indolyl)methyl d-cis/trans chrysanthemat (Neopynamin forte,    Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat    (Chrythron, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   d•d-T80-resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl d-cis/trans    -chrysanthemat (Chrythron forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   permethrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl d1-cis/trans-2,2-dimethyl    -3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)cyclopropane carboxylate (Eksmin, Sumitomo    Chemical Co.)-   phenothrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Sumithrin,    Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   fenvalerate: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl) -3-methyl    butylate (Sumicidin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   cypermethrin: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl d1-cis/trans    -3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane carboxylate    (Agrothrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   cyphenothrin: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans -chrysanthemat    (Gokilaht, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   empenthrin: 1-ethynyl-2-methyl pento-2-enyl d-cis/trans    -chrysanthemat (Vaporthrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   terallethrin: 2-allyl-3-methyl-2-cyclopentene-1-one -4-yl-2,2,3,3,    tetramethyl-cyclopropane carboxylate (Knoxthrin, Sumitomo Chemical    Co.)-   improthrin: 2,4-dioxo-1-(prop-2-inyl)-imidazolidin-3-yl methyl    (1R)-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pralle, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)-   ethofenprox: 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl propyl-3-phenoxybenzyl    ether (Trebon)

Also, listed below are illustrative for other chemicals that may be usedas insecticides, rejectant, potency intensifiers and growth controlagents.

-   acetamiprid: N′-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-N²-cyano -N′-methyl    acetone amidine (Mospilan)-   diazinon: (2-isopropyl-4-methyl pyrimidil-6)-diethyl thiophosphate    (Diazinon)-   fenitrothion, MEP:    O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)thiophosphate (Sumithion)-   pyridaphention: O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-oxo-2-phenyl-2H    -pyridazin-6-yl)phosphothioate (Ofunack)-   malathion: dimethyl dicarbetoxy ethyl dithiophosphate (Malathon)-   imidacloprid: 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl methyl)-N-nitro    imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine (Admire)-   dichlorvos: O,O-dimethyl O-(2,2-dichloro)vinylphosphate (DDVP)-   benzil benzoate-   isobornyl thiocyanoacetate (IBTA)-   dehydro acetate-   piperonyl butoxide (P. B.)-   paraoxy benzoic acid-   phenyl salicylate-   S-421-   N-(2-ethyl hexyl)-bicyclo [2,2,1]-hepta-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxy imid    (Synepirin 222)-   N,N-diethyl-m-toluamid (Deet)-   Pyriproxyfen: 4-phenoxy phenyl (RS)-2-(2-pyridyl oxy)propyl ether    (Sumilarv)

Next, mention is made of usable materials for chemical carrier orimpregnable particles or particulate mass. Illustrative are, forexample, viscose, linter and inorganic substances such as calciumsilicate. Alternatives may be porous bodies formed as row materialssynthetic fibers such as of polypropylene and they may also be activatedcarbon. Among them, a plant derived material such as pulp, viscose orlinter is most preferred as a raw material for chemical carrier orimpregnable particle or particulate material in view of their specificgravity and chemical carrying capacity. Such materials which arecommercially available include foamed cellulose beads made of pulp andviscose as main raw materials and supplied from Rengo, K. K. under thetrade name of Viscopar (spelled phonetically).

Promoting agitation of the chemical impregnated carrier particles asmentioned above requires them to be light weighted being lower inspecific gravity. Their receptacle is preferably made of plastic whichis by nature electrically nonconductive, light weighted and alsoeconomical. However, plastic by frictional or rubbing contact tends tobear electrostatic charges and once charged to be hard to set them free.Therefore, it is possible for the chemical carrier particles which arelower in specific gravity, when stirred to impede the agitation and thusto become detrimental to energy efficiency. It is thus desirable toapply an anti-static treatment to the chemical carrier particles andpreferably to their receptacle as well. A typical plastic anti-statictreatment widely method is by an additive and to this end makes use of asurface active agent. In such methods, an anti-static agent may becoated on the surfaces of a plastic (surface coating method) oralternatively be mixed into a plastic body (mixing method). Such agentsare anionic, cationic, nonionic or bipolar ionic active agents suitablyadapted to the methods. A variety of chemicals having a surfactant astheir principal ingredient are commercially available. Examples are“Sanstat AA”, “Sanstat 2012A” and “Sanstat 249” made by Sanyo ChemicalIndustries Ltd., and “Colcoat SP-2001” and “Colcoat SP-2002” featuringthe transparency as nonductive coating” made by Colcoat, K. K (allspelled phonetically).

For purposes of the present invention, it is also possible to use one ormore of an anti-oxidizing agent, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, anaromatic, a deodorant and so forth to add a stability enhancingefficacy, synergistic efficacy and bells and whistles.

Where it is desired for a chemical which is less volatile to bevolatilized effectively, a method is conceivable which is designed topromote volatilization by heating the carrier particle receptacle, thefan itself or any peripheral member.

EXAMPLE 1

On the side to the square blow outlet of 8 cm side of a DC brushlessaxial fan motor made by K. K. Siko Giken, there was placed a chemicalcontaining cylindrical cartridge of 18 cm inner diameter and 10 cm highwith its top bottom covered with nets. The cartridge accommodatedtherein a mass of 2 grams in weight of particles of 2 mm diameterconstituted by foamed cellulose beads, impregnated with 300 milligramsof prallethrin. The apparatus in operation was cyclically turned on andoff with an on time of 12 hours and an off time of 12 hours and with thecycle repeated 30 times. Changes with time in the amount ofvolatilization measured of the chemical and are plotted in the graphshown in FIG. 10. The knock-down potency against common house mosquitoesalso measured is shown in Table 4. It should be noted here that theamount of volatilization is indicated by a value per unit time (hour)calculated from the chemical residue that was extracted from thechemical impregnated particulate mass and measured at a given timeinterval. The potency or efficaciousness is represented by results oftests conducted in a 8 straw mat (13.2 m²) size closed space at aconstant temperature of 25° C.

The apparatus used in this Example had a fan motor mounted therein and aconstruction in which as shown in FIG. 11 a body portion 61 had a blowoutlet (not indicated in the Figure) top-open on which a particulatemass accommodating receptacle 63 was mounted with its top and bottomcovered with nets 62 a and 62 b. In operation, as the fan is rotated,winds blow up from the net 62 b of the bottom of the receptacle 63 tofluidize the particulate mass, indicated by discrete particles 64accommodated therein and in the meantime to permit the chemicalimpregnated in the mass to volatilize and then to diffuse through theupper net 62 a into the outside together with the winds.

EXAMPLE 2

Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the particulatemass was again a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed cellulose beads of2 mm diameter which in this example was impregnated with 1200 milligramsof allethrin. Under the same test conditions as in Example 1, changes inthe volume of volatilization of the chemical and the knock-down potencyfor common house mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are shownin FIG. 10 and Table 11.

EXAMPLE 3

Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the particulatemass was a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed cellulose beads of 4 mmdiameter which in this example was impregnated with 1000 milligrams ofterallethrin. Under the same test conditions as in Example 1, changes inthe volume of volatilization of the chemical and the knock-down potencyfor common house mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are shownin FIG. 10 and Table 11.

EXAMPLE 4

Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the particulatemass was a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed cellulose beads of 4 mmdiameter which in this example was impregnated with 2000 milligrams ofempenthrin. Under the same test conditions as in Example 1, changes inthe volume of volatilization of the chemical and the knock-down potencyfor common house mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are shownin FIG. 10 and Table 11. TABLE 11 Chemical Amount of ImpregnatedKnock-down Chemical Chemical Particles Efficacy KT₅₀ (min)Identification (mg/2 g) Diameter(mm) 1-st 15-th 30-th prallethrin 300 22.33 2.57 2.74 allethrin 1200 2 2.52 2.84 3.04 terallethrin 1000 4 3.063.79 4.23 empenthrin 2000 4 5.29 5.33 5.47

As mentioned previously, an apparatus according to the present inventionpermits a volatile chemical having insecticide, rejectant or growthcontrol function to be diffused and dispersed stably by a wind forceover a prolonged period of time for a variety of noxious or harmfulinsects, regardless of the vapor pressure the chemical possesses and theamount of volatilization the chemical is aimed for.

Although the present invention has been described hereinbefore in termsof the presently preferred forms of embodiments with respect to orembodied in a fan type chemical diffusing apparatus of volatilizing achemical, it is to be understood that such disclosure is purelyillustrative and is not to be interpreted as limiting. Consequently,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, variousalterations, modifications, and/or alternative applications of theinvention will, no doubt, be suggested to those skilled in the art afterhaving read the preceding disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended thatthe following claims be interpreted as compassing all alterations,modifications, or alternative applications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and expelling a noxiousor harmful insect with an active ingredient containing as its principalcomponent at least one chemical having a vapor pressure of not less than1.0×10⁻⁴ mmHg at a temperature of 30° C. and effective to act as aninsecticide or acaricide or to control growth, or to hinderbloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, of the insect, or to repel theinsect, or effective to prevent any other damage by the insect, theapparatus having an active ingredient impregnated body or mass adaptedto retain and release by volatilization said active ingredient, andincluding a fan type blower powered to be driven by a motor which is inturned by a battery, wherein said fan type blower comprises a fanhaving: an air resistance f which when expressed by current consumptionI₁ by said motor loaded with said fan divided by current consumption I₀by said motor when unloaded with said fan, ranges not less than 1 butnot greater than 17; a size in a range between 20 mm and 100 mm indiameter; and a weight in a range between 1.5 gram and 8 grams, whereinvalues of said fan air resistance, size and weight are selected asaforesaid and further so that the current consumption by said motorloaded with said fan has a current value such that the ratio of a timeperiod in which said fan can be driven by said battery to the capacityof said battery is not less than 5%.